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Staffing

Examiner: Barbara HarmesModerator: Robyn Pigozzo

Other requisites

Pre-requisite: Completion of Senior High School or Post Secondary Diploma or degree or equivalent or work experience in the country of origin. English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS Band 5.5.

Rationale

A need has been recognised nationally and within this university for communication skills prior to degree entry. The Preparatory Studies program of the Open Access College focuses on strategies basic to independent assignment writing habits. International students, whose learning strategies have previously been acquired in languages other than English, need to adapt their previous knowledge to the range of performance strategies in communication skills expected by higher education institutions in Australia.

Synopsis

In the course students analyse an assignment question and follow a series of steps towards completing a report and an essay. Note taking from texts develops reading and listening skills. Comprehensible communication of a theme in academic English is required by the course.

Objectives

Develop and organise ideas and write an essay using an expository style (Assignment 4, Test).

Prepare a stylistically appropriate report (Assignment 3, Test).

Employ styles of communication as appropriate for the demands of the audience and purpose of the writing (Assignment 1, 2, 3, 4, Test).

Topics

Description

Weighting(%)

1.

Essay

5.00

2.

Understanding assignment questions

5.00

3.

Developing research methods using reading strategies

25.00

4.

Parapgraph structure

20.00

5.

Report Writing

15.00

6.

Audience analysis; essay structures

30.00

Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials available to be purchased can be sourced from USQ's Online Bookshop (unless otherwise stated). (https://bookshop.usq.edu.au/bookweb/subject.cgi?year=2012&sem=05&subject1=EAP7320)

Reference materials

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

The Study Book contains a list of recommended reference materials.

Student workload requirements

Activity

Hours

Directed Study

65.00

Private Study

93.00

Test

2.00

Assessment details

Description

Marks out of

Wtg (%)

Due Date

Notes

ASSIGN 1 RESEARCH

100

5

TBA

ASSIGN 2 END-TEXT REFERENCING

100

10

TBA

ASSIGN 3 REPORT

100

10

TBA

ASSIGN 4 ESSAY

100

15

TBA

TEST 2 HRS

100

60

TBA

Important assessment information

Attendance requirements:
Students are required to attend at least 80% of the scheduled class sessions and ensure their attendance is registered with the staff member in charge of the activity. An exception to this attendance level may be made by the university where the student can produce documentary evidence that clearly demonstrates compassionate and compelling circumstances. In this case attendance of at least 70% of the scheduled class sessions will be acceptable. It is the students' responsibility to access information regarding course-related activities and administration.

Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item. All assignment items must be received prior to the start of the examination period for the semester in which the course is offered. Students may be required to resubmit an assignment that is unsatisfactory.

Penalties for late submission of required work:
If students submit assignments after the due date without an approved extension of time then a penalty of 5% of the total marks available for the assignments may apply for each day late.

Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must attempt all of the summative assessment items, achieve at least 50% on the examination and at least 50% of the total weighted marks for the summative assessment items.

Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the mark obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.

Examination information:
The examination in this course is a Closed Examination. Candidates are allowed to bring only writing instruments into the examination.

Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
Any deferred or supplementary examinations for this course will be held within four weeks following the examination period by arrangement with the examiner.

University Student Policies:
Students should read the USQ policies: Definitions, Assessment and Student Academic Misconduct to avoid actions which might contravene University policies and practices. These policies can be found at http://policy.usq.edu.au.

Assessment notes

Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within 24 hours if required by the Examiner. In accordance with the University's Assignment Extension Policy (Regulation 5.6.1), the examiner of a course may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.

Other requirements

Students must score an A grade for a recommendation of direct entry to a postgraduate research doctoral program requiring academiec IELTS equivalent of 6.5.